The versatile campervan
We recently converted our road bikes to e-Bikes, installing a Swytch conversion kit – a hub motor and lightweight battery. We can still ride the bikes as ‘regular’ pedal bikes, but have the option to flick a switch to fire up the battery for that long climb.
Most importantly, we have only added 3.5kg to each bike, so that they can still be carried on our rear door-mounted rack, without exceeding the rack load limit.
It is a relatively straightforward project to remove and repair a Winegard TV antenna.
Here is a step by step guide to removing and repairing the elevating mechanism.
Includes details about lubricating the rotation operating mechanism and elevating gears. This should be undertaken every six months.
Not so long ago people were happy running their basic camping kit from a 12V battery or an LPG bottle. Inverters were clunky old boxes that were used by those working away from a mains power source, firing up the angle grinder to repair the hinge on the gate in the bottom paddock.
Fast forward to the present, and inverter technology has improved to the point where these devices are well and truly accepted in the ‘mainstream’. It seems that every Campervan, Mobilehome or Caravan is equipped with a sleek high-power inverter used to run modern domestic appliances from their 12V battery. Continue reading “Do you need an Inverter?”
Have you noticed that your Campervan’s hot water isn’t quite so hot when you setup camp off-grid in the high country?
The efficiency of Propane-fuelled heating appliances decreases at altitudes above 600 metres (2000 ft). In our experience, our LPG-heated hot water becomes noticeably less hot once we are camped at altitudes above 800 metres. When camped at Jindabyne, for example, at 900 metres, our hot water is warm rather than hot.
Why is this so?
This battery monitor is one of the most useful pieces of kit that I have installed in our van. No more guessing how much current is being consumed by appliances, or how much current might be being recharged to the batteries, or the batteries’ state of charge. This monitor makes all that info available at the touch of a button.
With Byron Bay’s visitor numbers eclipsing its permanent population, the local community has found itself at a crossroads, struggling to reconcile the “free-living” #vanlife ethos with the inexorable costs of tourism.
Is it still worth travelling there?
(Updated September 2022)
After a couple of years of border restrictions preventing interstate travel due to COVID-19, most travel restrictions affecting Campervan, Motorhome and caravan travellers have now been lifted. Widespread vaccination regimes have assisted in making chronic infection at least manageable.
States and territories can still apply their own entry and travel restrictions if they consider such measures necessary.
Some states may require registration (optional) when entering hospitality and retail outlets, and this is usually done through a QR code app. Download the relevant app before entering each state.
Social distancing is still respected in all states and territories. Face masks may be required on public transport in some states. Restrictions may apply in health care and aged care facilities.
Most importantly, travellers should respect the needs, sensitivities and vulnerabilities of regional communities.
So, you have purchased your new Campervan or Motorhome, fitted out with a bathroom, comfy bed and all the latest appliances – or you have fitted it out yourself with bespoke storage cabinets and all the mod cons.
What’s next?
Before you hit the road for your first big trip, there are plenty of ‘essential’ accessories that you can add to your setup, to streamline and personalise your travel experience.
Wow – what a great idea!
Now you can add TWO child beds into any swivel seat campervan or motorhome!
It is Winter here in Australia, and we have just returned from a trip through southern NSW and the Snowy Mountains region.
Night-time temperatures at or below 0ºC gave us a great opportunity to evaluate our RV air heating facilities.
Three air heating options are available in our van:
So, which heating option is best?